Handle assembly for luggage or the like



Dec. 6, 1966 c. s. GEHRIE 3239,79@

HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR LUGGAGE OR THE LIKE Filed Oct. 14, 1964 j 4 26 a @if e@ 3a, INVENTOR.

CHARLES 55. @Ew-mma se m 53 L ATTQRNEY n wl, L

United States Patent O York Filed Oct. 14, 1964, Ser. No. 403,696 11 Claims. (Cl. 190-58) The invention relates lto improvements in handle assemblies lfor luggage cases, portable containers, or the like.

'Iihe desirability of making luggage oases wherein the hardware of the luggage, that is, the locks and the anchor devices for the handle, are related to the case so that they do not protrude :from the -case has been recognized in the art. From the appearance or esthetic viewpoint, it is desirable that the continuous contour lines of a luggage case be unbroken by the irregularities resulting from the upstanding character of the locks and the anchor devices essential lto connect the handle tothe luggage case.

In my application, Serial No. 385,661, led July 28, 1964, valance and lock structures are disclosed which afford the desired continuous contour line-s of a luggage case insofar as the locks `are concerned.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide mean-s for anchoring or connecting a handle to a luggage case in a manner whereby the continuous contour lines of a luggage case are not disturbed or marred by the projection from the luggage case of the handle anchoring means.

Another object of the invention is to provide la handle assembly wherein the means for anchoring the handle member to a luggage case is concealed within the luggage case, that is, positioned on the Iunderside of the wall of the case to which the handle member is connected.

Further, the desirability of providing a luggage case or the like with a handle which is collapsible has been recognized in the art. Known prior .art constructions of collapsible handles include a spring member in some form or other. Where the material of which the handle member is made is of suliiciently thin cross-section and of substantial flexibility, a sprin-g member may be positioned within the handle member. Where the handle member is of a material and crosssection which cannot be af* Ifecte-d by the inclusion of a spring member within the handle member, it has been the practice to provide spring members in the anchoring means to which the ends of the handle are connected to cause the handle to collapse upon removing the force acting to stress the spring members.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a handle assembly wherein the handle is collapsible, the collaps-ibility function being achieved without a spring member either in the handle or in each of the anchor devices connecting the handle to the luggage case. As a result, the cost of the spring member or members, and the attendant cost of assembling the spring members with the handle member or the essential anchoring means for the handle are eliminated.

The foregoing objects, advantages and improved results of the invention will be apparent from the `following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which:

FIG. l is a top plan view of the visible portion of a handle `assembly made in accordance with the invention when connected to the wall of a luggage case or to a valance member secured to the peripheral edge of a luggage case, the luggage case wall being only partially shown;

3,289,798 Patented Dec. 6, 1'966 rice FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken approximately in t'he plane of line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing all of the lcomponents of the handle assembly, this view showing the handle member and its Iassociated connecting members in their collapsed condition;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FI-G. 2, except that the handle member and its associated connecting members are shown in their raised condition;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-.sectional "view taken approximately in the plane of line `4--4 of FIG. v1; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame member component of the handle assembly of the invention.

Referring to the drawing, a handle member A is connected to a wall B of a luggage case: by a pair of longitudinally spaced anchor devices C. The handle members A is arch shaped and 'has a central portion 10 adapted to lbe grasped by the hand of a user of the luggage case, and opposite, downwardly extending end portions 12, 12. The handle member is connected to the luggage case by a pair of connecting members D which extend between the handle member A and the anchor devices C. In accordance with one :aspect of the invention, and as illustrated, the anchor devices are positioned on the underside of the luggage case wall B, are concealed from View, and do not project above the outer periphery of the luggage case.

In accordance with the preferred -form of the invention, the handle member A is molded of an elastomeric material to lfurnish a handle member having resiliency or elasticity longitudinally of the handle member. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials are the vinyl resins, such as a polymer of vinyl chloride or a copoylmer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate, polyurethanes, rubber, synthetic rubbers and silicone rubbers.

AS shown in FIGS. y2 4and 3, the connecting members D .are elongated in form so lthat when assembled with the handle member they constitute substantially linear extensions of the diverging end portions 12, 12 of the handle member A. The connecting members are made of metal, preferably by die casting, `and have a crosssecti'on at their `areas of smallest cross-section which will withstand, without bending, any `stresses limposed thereon resulting from the impact forces or strains which they encounter when llifting a heavily packed luggage case. The connected members when made by die casting are plated to provide a suitable or bright nish for the portions thereof which are visible when assembled with a luggage case. Each connecting member has a portion below the end portions 12, 12 of the handle member which is visible.

In the .illustrated and preferred 4form of the invention, the connecting members D each have a stiffening portion 14 which is embedded in the downwardly extending end portions 12, 12 of the molded handle member A. In molding the handle memlber, the portions 14 .are positioned in the mold so that such portions become central inserts rigidifying the handle members end portions 12, 12. The st-iening portion 1-4 of each of the connecting members may be provided with a groove or grooves 16 to facilitate a more secure bonding of the ymolded composition to the connecting members. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the portions 14 of the connecting members do not extend into the central or grasping portion 10 of the handle member. Only the end portions 12, 12 of the handle member 4are rigidied by the reinforcement or stiening elements provided by the embedded sections =14 of the respective rigid connect-ing members D. As a result, the longitudinal resiliency or elasticity of the handle member resisting the forces which would cause the handle member to be deformed from its normal contour, as shown in FIG. 2, is comined or concentrated within the area of the central portion 10.

As s'hown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting members D each have -an intermediate portion 18 which extends exteriorly of the molded Ihandle member A. The intermediate portion of each connecting member, in effect, is .a linear extension of the downwardly diverging end portions 12, 12. The intermediate portion 18 of a connecting member terminates in a downwardly extending hook porti-on 20 located on the Iunderside of a terminal |knob 22.

Preferably, the pair of anchor devices C each comprise an eseutcheon plate E and a frame member F. Since the anchor devices are identical, the description of one such device will suffice vfor both devices. 'Ilhe escutcheon plate is a thin, flat member which preferably is made of metal. Since in the preferred form of the invention the escutcheon plate supplies the means for connecting it to the luggage wall B, and also for connecting the frame member F to the luggage wall, it lis preferred that the escutcheon plate be made by die casting and provided with .a suitable ror bright nish on its outer or exposed surface. The escutcheon plate is made with a-n aperture 24 to allow the intermediate portions 18 and their respective knob portions 22 to be extended therethrough. It is preferred that .the escutcheon plate be made with a rece-ss 26 formed in its upper surface. In this way, the purchasers initials may lbe inserted within the plates recesses to personalize the luggage case. The escutcheon plate is made with integral-ly formed, ydownwardly extending, longitudinally spaced, oonnecting studs 28, 28 on the underside thereof near the opposite ends of the plate. The wall B is provided with longitudinally spaced openings 30, 30 through which the connecting studs are extended. Also, the wall B is provided with `an opening 32 for :alignment with the opening 24 in the escutcheon plate.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the wall B is the upper surface of one of a pair of luggage case sections 34, 34. The luggage case sections may be of any suitable wear resistant material; they may be made by molding a `suitable Aplastic material to furnish substantially rigid shells, or they may be of drawn aluminum or the like, whereupon the anchor devices may be secured directly to the Wall B. It is preferred to provide the peripheral edge of one of the case sections with a valance member, whereupon the valance member furnishes the wall B to which the anchor devices C are secured. Preferably, the 'valance member has a cross-'section as shown in FIG. 4, such valance member designated G, being the subject lmatter of the aforesaid application Serial Number 385,661, led July 28, 1964. Where the luggage case sections are provided with valance members at their adjoining peripheral edges, the case sections may be made of a soft or flexible material such as leather or leather-like materials.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the escutcheon plate E overlies the wall B of the valance member G in flush engagement therewith, and the frame member F is positioned and concealed on the underside of the valance member within an internal channel thereof. The escutcheon plate, except at the areas of the downwardly extending connecting studs 28, 28', is relatively thin and projects above the outer side of the wall B only to the extent'of its thickness.

The frame members F are made of metal and preferably by die casting. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, each frame member has a bottom wall 36 and an outer end wall 38 defining one side of an upwardly open recess 40. The inner side of the recess is defined by an abutment 42, the upper extremity of which is lower than the upper extremity of the wall 38. The height of the recess 40 is slightly greater than the height of the knob 22 and its downwardly extending hook-like portion 2u when the terminal knob is situated within the recess. However, when the handle A and its connecting members D are assembled with the frame members F, the distance between the upper extremity of the abutment 42 and the underside of the wall B is less than the height of the knob 22 `so that the knob and its downwardly projecting hook portion cannot escape through the lateral opening between the underside of the wall and the top of the abutment 42. This lateral opening, designated 44, is of a height however to allow the intermediate portion 18 of each connecting member to extend therethrough with clearance. The recess 40 is of a dimension laterally or in a longitudinal direction to allow the knob 22 and its hook portion 20 to move longitudinally within the recess. The abutments 42 limit the extent of movement of the connecting members and the associated handle member when a force is applied causing the handle member to be raised from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 3. In order to strengthen the frame member, it may be made with a central reinforcing rib 46 extending inwardly of the abutment 42.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the reinforcing rib 46 increases in height in a direction inwardly of the frame member and terminates in a vertical end wall 48 which extends parallel to the end wall 38. In the form of the invention illustrated, the end wall 48 is higher than the end wall 38 to the extent of the thickness of the luggage wall B. The end wall 38 is providide with an outward, horizontally extending lip 50 adapted to underlie the luggage wall B. The lip 50 is provided with a central aperture 52 to allow the connecting stud 30 to be extended therethrough. To reinforce the lip 5t), it may be provided with downwardly extending side walls 53, 53 for its length from the end wall 38. The inner wall 48 is provided with a short, horizontally extending lip 54 which is adapted to overlie the lug-gage wal-l B, and for this reason the wall 48 is made slightly higher than the wall 38.

It Iwill of course be understood that the lip S4 may be made of a length to allow an aperture to be extended therethrough so that the connecting stud 28 may be extended through such aperture as well as through the aperture 30 in the wall B. Also, when the lip S4 is apertured, such lip may be positioned on the underside of the wall B, and the end wall 48 may -be the same height as the end wall 38. The illustrated construction is preferred however because of the strength of connection which it affords with a minimum amount of material for the frame member. With such construction, the escutcheon plate E is provided with a 4recess 56 on its underside adjacent the plates connecting stud 28 so that the lip 54 may be positioned between the escutcheon plate and the wall B.

Also, when the lip 54 is made sufficiently long and apertured for positioning on the underside of the wall B, the escutcheon plate may be eliminated, and the frame members F may be secured to the underside of the wall B by rivets. The escutcheon plates are preferred because they furnish the rivets or connecting studs which are not visible on the outside of the luggage case. Also, the escutc-heon plates furnish a pleasing and nished appearance and a place for the insertion of initials.

To assemble the handle -member A and its connecting members D with the wall B of a luggage case and with the anchor devices C, an escutcheon plate E is placed upon the luggage wall B with the studs 28, 28 extended through the apertures 30, 30" in the wall. The knob ends 22 of the connecting members are then extended through the aligned openings 24 and 32 of the escutcheon plate and in the luggage wa-ll B. Then, each frame member F i-s assembled with the wall B and associated escutcheon plate -by slipping the short lip 54 within the recess 56 and onto the top surface of the Wall B where it adjoins the aperture 32 in the luggage wall. The frame member is then brought up so that the connecting stud 28 extends through the aperture 52, the knob end 22 of the connecting member being captured within the recess 40. The assembly is completed Iby swaging or `riveting over the ends of the connecting studs 28, 28. When the foregoing assembly operation is completed for both ends of the handle, the handle member A cannot be pulled out from its anchor devices.

As' previously described, the handle member A is molded of an elastomeric material, and is rigidied in its end portions 12, 12 by the stiiiening portions 14 of the connecting members D. The longitudinal resilience of the handle member is 'confined or concentrated within the area of the central portion 1). Thus, when a packed or weighted luggage case provided with the lhandle assembly of the invention is grasped at the central area and lifted, the hook portions -move longitudinally in their respective recesses 40` from their position of FIG. 2 until the hook portions engage t'he abut-ments 42 as shown in FIG. 3. When this occurs, the central portion of the handle member is further arched, or a greater convexity is imparted to the handle member. When the luggage case is set down, or when the for-ce applied which caused the handle member to be raised is removed, the handle member automatically collapses and goes back to the position shown in FIG. 2. This action occurs because the molded elastomeric material of the handle Within the central area 10 has memory. Upon exing the handle member from its normal position of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 3, an internal reacting force or energy is stored within the elastomeric material of the central section 1) (confined by the rigified, reinforced ends 12, 12') which acts to return the handle -member to its normal molded shape of FIG. 2 when the force distorting the portion 10 of the handle is removed. As a result, the knobs 22 and their respective hook portions 20 slide back in their respective recesses 40 and out of engagement from the abutments 42 to the position shown in FIG. 2. The handle member is collapsible through a separate or additional spring member or members are absent from the handle assembly.

It is believed that the advantages and improved results of the invention will be apparent from the foregoing detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. It will be apparent that various changes and modifications ymay be [made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as sought to be defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a luggage case or the like having -a wall, a handle assembly comprising a handle member having a central grasping portion and opposite downwardly extending end portions, a pair of rigid, elongated connecting members `respectively connected to said end portions, said connecting members projecting downwardly from the end portions and each terminating in a downwardly extending hook portion, a pair of longitudinally spaced apertures in the wall, said connecting members extending through said apertures, and a frame member positioned on the underside of the case wall at each aperture, each frame member being formed with an upwardly open recess defined on the inner side thereof by an upwardly projecting abutment, each of said hook portions being respectively positioned in a recess for linear movement, said abutments limiting the extent of movement of the handle member when a force is applied causing the handle to be raised, and means connecting the frame members to the wall.

2. In combination with a luggage case or the like having a wall, a handle assembly comprising a handle member having a central grasping portion and opposite downlwardly extending end portions, a pair of rigid, elongated connecting members respectively connected to said end portions, said connecting members projecting downwardly from the end portions and each terminating in a knob having a downwardly extending hook portion, `a pair of longitudinally spaced apertures in the wall, said connecting members extending through said apertures, and a frame member positioned on the underside of the wall at each aperture, each frame member being formed with an upwardly open `recess defined on |the inner side thereof by an upwardly projecting abutment, each of said knobs being respectively positioned in a recess for linear movement, the distance between an abutment. and the underside of the wall being less than the height of a knob, said hook portions engaging said abutments to limit the extent of movement of the handle member when a force is applied causing the handle to be raised, and means connecting the frame members to the wall.

3. In combination with a luggage case or the like having a wall, a handle assembly comprising a handle member having a central grasping portion and opposite, downwardly extending end portions, a pair of rigid, elongated connecting members respectively connected to said end portions, said connecting members projecting downwardly from the end portions and each terminating in a downwardly extending hook portion, a pair of longitudinally spaced, flat escutcheon plates in flush engagement with the top side of the wall, each escutcheon plate having an aperture extending therethrough, the wall having apertures in alignment with the apertures of the escutcheon plates, said connecting members extending through said apertures, and a frame member for the respective escutcheon plates positioned on the underside of the wall, each frame member bein-g formed with an upwardly open recess defined on the inner side thereof by an upwardly projecting abutment, each of said hook portions being respectively positioned in a recess for lin-ear movement, said abutments limiting the extent of movement of the handle when a force is applied causing the handle member to be raised, and means connecting the escutcheon plates and the frame members to the wall.

4. In combination with a luggage case or the like having a wall, a handle assembly comprising a handle member having a central grasping portion and opposite, downwardly extending end portions, a pair of rigid, elongated Iconnecting members respectively connected to said end portions, said connecting members projecting downwardly from lthe end porti-ons and each terminating in a knob having a downwardly extending hook portion, a pair of longitudinally spaced, flat escutcheon plates in Hush engagement with the top side of the wall, each escutcheon plate having an aperture extending therethrough, the wall having apertures in alignment with the apertures of the escutcheon plates, said connecting members extending through said apertures, and a frame member for the respective escutcheon plates positioned on the underside of the wall, each frame member being formed with an up wardly open recess defined on the inner side thereof by an upwardly projecting abutment, each of said knobs being respectively positioned in a recess for linear movement, the distance between an abutment land the runderside of the wall being less than the height of a knob, said hook portions engaging said abutments to limit the extent of movement of the handle member when a force is applied causing the handle to be raised, and means connecting the escutcheon plates and the frame members to the wall.

5. In the combination as set forth in claim 4, wherein Ithe means for connecting the escutcheon plates and the frame members to the wall comprises a pair of integr-ally formed, longitudinally spaced, connecting studs extending from the underside of each escutcheon plate, said studs extending through apertures in the wall, said frame members each having at opposite ends thereof a horizontally extending lip, one of the lips having an aperture through which a connecting stud is extended, the other lip being positioned between an escutcheon plate and the wall, the escutcheon plate having a recess to receive said other lip.

6. In the combination as set forth in claim 4, wherein the handle member is molded of an elastomeric material; land wherein the connecting members each include a stiiiening portion embedded in an end portion of the handle member to rigidify the end portions.

7. A collapsible handle assembly for a luggage case or the like comprising a pair of rigid, elongated connecting members each having a stiening portion and a downwardly extending portion terminating in a hook at the opposite end, an arch shaped, longitudinally resilient handle member molded of elastomeric material having a central grasping portion and opposite, downwardly extending end portions, the stiffening portion of each connecting member being embedded in an end portion to rigidify the end portions only, and a frame member associated with each connecting member, each frame member being formed with a recess defined on the inner side thereof by an abutment, each of said hooks being respectively positioned in a recess for linear movement, said abutments limiting the extent of movement of the handle member when a force is applied causing the handle member to be raised, the resiliency of the central grasping portion causing the handle member to he lowered when the force is removed.

8. A collapsible handle assembly for a luggage case or the like comprising a pair of rigid, elongated connecting members each having a stifening portion and a downwardly extending portion terminating in a knob having a downwardly extending hook at the opposite end, an arch shaped, longitudinally resilient handle member molded of elastomeric material having a central grasping portion and opposite, downwardly extending end portions, the stilening portion of each connecting member being embedded in an end portion to rigidity the end portions only, a frame member associated with each connecting member, each frame member being formed with an upwardly open recess defined on the inner side thereof by an upwardly projecting abutment, each of said knobs being respectively positioned in a recess for linear movement, said hooks engaging said abutments to limit the extent of movement of the handle member when a force is applied causing the handle member to be raised, the resiliency of the central grasping portion causing the handle member to be lowered when the force is removed, and means provided by each frame member for connecting it to the wall of a 'luggage case or the like.

9. A collapsible handle assembly for a luggage case or the like comprising a pair of rigid, elongated connecting members each having a stiffening portion and a downwardly extending portion terminating in a downwardly extending hook at the opposite end, an arch shaped, longitudinally resilient handle member molded of elastomeric material having a central grasping portion and opposite, downwardly extending end portions, the stitening portion of each connecting member being embedded in an end portion to rigidify the end portions only, a pair of flat escutcheon plates adapted to overlie a wall of a luggage case in flush engagement therewith, each escutcheon plate having an aperture extending therethrough, said connecting members extending through said apertures, and a frame member secured to the underside of each escutcheon plate, each frame member being formed With an upwardly open recess defined on the inner side thereof by an abutment, each of said hooks being respectively positioned in a recess for linear movement, said abutments limiting the extent of movement of the handle member when a force is applied causing the handle member to be raised, the resiliency of the central grasping portion causing the handle to be lowered when the force is removed, and means provided by the escutcheon plates and the frames for connecting them to the wall of a luggage case or the like.

10. A collapsible handle assembly for a luggage case or the like comprising a pair of rigid, elongated connecting members each having a stilfening portion and a downwardly extending portion terminating in a knob having a downwardly extending hook at the opposite end, an arch shaped, longitudinally resilient handle member molded of elastomeric material having a central grasping portion and opposite, downwardly extending end portions, the stillening portion of each connecting member being embedded in an end portion to rigidify the end portions only, a pair of at escutcheon plates adapted to overlie a wall of a luggage case in ilush engagement therewith, each escutcheon plate having an aperture extending therethrough, said connecting members extending through said apertures, a frame member adapted to be positioned on the underside of a luggage case wall, each frame member being formed with an upwardly open recess dened on the inner side thereof by an upwardly projecting abutment, each of said knobs being respectively positioned in a recess for linear movement, said hooks engaging said abutments to limit the extent of movement of the handle member when a force is applied causing the handle member to be raised, the resiliency of the central grasping portion causing the handle to be lowered when the force is removed, and means for connecting the escutcheon plates and the frame members to a wall of a luggage case or the like.

1l. A collapsible handle as set forth in claim lli), wherein the means for connecting the escutcheon plates and the frame members to a wall comprises a pair of integrally formed, longitudinally spaced, connecting studs extending from the underside of each escutcheon plate adapted to extend through apertures in a wall, said frame members each having at opposite ends thereof a horizontally extending lip, one of the lips having an aperture through which a connecting stud is adapted to extend, the other lip being positionable between an escutcheon plate and a wall, the escutcheon plate having a recess to receive said other lip.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,113,650 12/1963 Szabo 190-58 3,168,173 2/1965 Koler 190-58 FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION WITH A LUGGAGE CASE OR THE LIKE HAVING A WALL, A HANDLE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A HANDLE MEMBER HAVING A CENTRAL GRASPING PORTION AND OPPOSITE DOWNWARDLY EXTENDING END PORTIONS, A PAIR OF RIGID, ELONGATED CONNECTING MEMBERS RESPECTIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID END PORTIONS, SAID CONNECTING MEMBERS PROJECTING DOWNWARDLY FROM THE END PORTIONS AND EACH TERMINATING IN A DOWNWARDLY EXTENDING HOOK PORTION, A PAIR OF LONGITUDINALLY SPACED APERTURES IN THE WALL, SAID CONNECTING MEMBERS EXTENDING THROUGH SAID APERTURES, AND A FRAME MEMBER POSITIONED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CASE WALL AT EACH APERTURE, EACH FRAME MEMBER BEING FORMED WITH AN UPWARDLY OPEN RECESS DEFINED ON THE INNER SIDE THEREOF BY AN APWARDLY PROJECTING ABUTMENT, EACH OF SAID HOOK PORTIONS BEING RESPECTIVELY POSITIONED IN A RECESS OF LINEAR MOVEMENT, SAID ABUTMENTS LIMITING THE EXTENT OF MOVEMENT OF THE HANDLE MEMBER WHEN A FORCE IS APPLIED CAUSING THE HANDLE TO BE RAISED, AND MEANS CONNECTING THE FRAME MEMBERS TO THE WALL. 